“I’m thinking about joining the pep band, but I’m not sure yet,” my teen son said. He had his books spread out before him, and I knew he was weighing his already-busy workload. “What do you think?” he asked. Instead of giving him an opinion, I said, “If you want to do it, I’d support you. If not, I get that too.” He shook his head, grinning, and went back to his homework.
Let’s encourage our teens to make good choices and go the distance when things get hard. Maybe they want to join a club? Invite a new friend over? Or interview for a job? Or perhaps they’re struggling academically or socially. The next time your teen hesitates or looks to you for advice, give your child one of these 25 pieces of encouragement for teens.
Encouragement for Teens to Keep Going
1. You can do it.
2. Hey, it’s OK to fail. You’ll be all right.
3. I believe in you.
4. I’ll say a prayer for you.
5. You’re good at doing hard things.
Encouragement for Teens in Social Situations
6. You’re fun to be around.
7. Try making eye contact to connect.
8. You’re good at small talk.
9. You have a lot of good ideas.
10. You’re brave.
11. You make friends easily.
12. You have a great smile. It’s hard not to smile back.
Encouragement for Teens Who Are Struggling
13. That’s normal.
14. It’s OK to feel mad (or sad, frustrated, nervous, worried).
15. If you want to talk, I’m here for you.
16. I’ve seen you excel at this before.
17. Keep trying. You can do it.
18. You don’t need my help.
Giving Empathy to Encourage Teens
19. I understand your dilemma.
20. I feel for you.
21. I’m sorry you’re sad.
22. I wish I could snap my fingers and make things better.
23. I’m so sorry this happened.
24. It’s disappointing. I get it.
25. I can understand how you feel.
My teen daughter doesn’t always respond when I encourage her. I sometimes want to shake her shoulder and say, “Hey! I believe in you! Did you hear me?” But I try not to. Often, I see the effects of what I say in my teen’s actions. She digs in with her homework or tells me later she stayed after to talk to a teacher.
Don’t worry if your child is momentarily speechless! She hears you, and your support means the world to her. Follow up with a pat on the back, a shoulder squeeze, or a hug. Sometimes kids feel encouragement more through hugs or pats on the pack, especially if your child’s love language is physical touch.
Sometimes kids feel encouragement more through hugs or pats on the pack, especially if your child's love language is physical touch. Click To TweetEncouragement for teens can keep them going. When do you give your teens encouragement?
